No exceptions made for anonymous witnesses

Former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe said he met Friday with investigators regarding allegations he made earlier this month that special teams coach Mike Priefer made homophobic remarks during the 2012 season.

“I cooperated fully for the investigation,” Kluwe told the Pioneer Press‘ Chris Tomasson. “The investigation is ongoing. I’m not going to comment on anything else. But I was asked questions, and I answered them. … I can say it was a productive meeting.”

“We interviewed [Kluwe] for approximately five hours,” Madel said. “He answered all of our questions. There were no agreements with respect to anonymity of any witnesses or any other facts.”

Kluwe said he wouldn’t comment further on Priefer’s status, until the conclusion of the investigation.

“If they need to meet with me again, that’s not a problem at all,” Kluwe said. “I will cooperate.”

One of the key requirements in a full investigation was Kluwe’s providing the identity of witnesses to Priefer’s alleged homophobic comments. Now that the investigators have those names, they can seek them out for interviews. If they cooperate, it will lead to a comprehensive investigation.

What’s left now is for the witnesses to comply and answer any questions the investigators may have.

With incidents like these, it’s impossible to know what exactly went on. While Kluwe’s Deadspin article was detailed, he was eventually let go by the Vikings, so his motives are unclear.

Until the investigation is concluded, therefore, it’s unfair to pass judgment on any of Kluwe, Priefer or the Vikings.